I need your help deciding where we should put our cake table. We are getting married at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. It will be a formal evening winter wedding. Here is a picture of the ballroom:

So we have two options:

Option 1: Center the cake table under the middle window. Pros: Guests can go up and see the cake up close, pretty window will frame the cake. Cons: There will be tables that would be blocking the view of the cake, so people would have to deliberately walk over to see the cake/cake cutting if they are not sitting nearby (which I realize is the case for most weddings).

Option 2: The opposite side of the room has a stage that we are currently not going to be utilizing (DJ will be by the dance floor in the middle of the room). I posted a pic with some very basic drawings of my vision. We could close the curtains and place the cake table in the middle of the stage with a spotlight on the cake. I would then put a few flower arrangements along the edge of the stage with some candles. Pros: utilizes the stage, would be elevated so all guests could see the cake and could easily see the cake cutting Cons: The stage is 4 feet high, so that means the cake would be about 6.5 feet off the ground. Would it be difficult for guests to see the cake at this height, or would it be fine since most people are seated back from the stage?

Please let me know what you think would be best! Honest opinions are welcome! Thanks!!!

@jltoth: Of those two choices, I would choose the stage. People aren’t going to be able to see much of the detail on the cake, but frankly, for many of them, that won’t be an issue.

The cake would be safe from any accidental bumps on the stage. Your guests will also get a great view of the cake cutting. Usually only those at the front really get to see anything. 6.5 feet is the height of a moderately tall man, and I’ve never had a problem seeing their heads when we went to the theatre.

@jltoth: I kind of like the idea of having it on the stage. That way the cake is on display and everyone will be able to see you when you cut the cake. Plus you won’t have to worry about anyone accidentally bumping into the table or anything.

@jltoth: the thought of a spotlight on the cake worries me – all that heat? I would worry that it would be melted… FWIW, I’ve never gone up to a cake to check it out, and I somehow always miss the cake cutting anyway.